Counting clear labels when splices are present

One of the most challenging situations our customers face is counting clear labels when the rolls have been spliced by the supplier.  Clear labels can be counted at high speeds with precise accuracy, but the presence of a splice can create unique problems.  We us a dedicated sensor for counting Clear Labels.  The clear label sensor uses capacitive sensing  to identify the label on the web as it passes through the sensing region on the sensor.  The presence of a splice which overlaps multiple labels will present as an error and halt the counting process.  If it covers just one spot on the web adjacent to a label it may be counted as a label, effecting the integrity of the count.

 It has long been industry standard for label suppliers to use a colored splice tape when adding a splice to the roll.  This week we had a customer find clear splice tape on a roll of clear labels. Because the splice covered more than one label our Label Counting Table reported an error, but going forward they will need to talk to their supplier to either eliminate splices in clear label rolls, or, add a colored splice instead of a clear splice so the operator can identify the splice and adjust the counting process.

If a roll of clear labels has a colored splice, the operator can stop our machine at that point and cut the web and remove the splice from the roll, creating two smaller rolls out of one roll.  This is the best practice for accurately counting clear labels with splices.  If this is not feasible, the operator can visually determine how the splice will be counted and adjust the count using the Adjust Count Feature at the end of the counting process. 

Counting clear label rolls with splices can be a challenge, but a combination of the features on our machine, and efforts to change the process with the label supplier, can provide effective solutions to the problems presented. 

Clear Label Sensor & Adjust Count Feature are both optional features that can be configured into your Label Counting Table from Scanning Devices, Inc.

http://www.scanningdevices.com/LabelCountingOptions.html